Founded by Gayle, Richmond and Lauren Punch, the Punch Family Foundation (PFF) was organized in 2006. It was formed after Gayle Punch realized her annual benefit recital, which helped offset her children’s music education expenses, could be used to help other music students.
History
In 1995 Gayle Punch held a large garage sale to help with her son’s expenses for music studies. Her attempt at fund raising ended when a city officer demanded she close her garage sale down. Her efforts were cited in a news article that announced the next fund raiser would be a recital. Within the week $5000.00 was raised. Her son attended the Interlochen Arts Camp that summer.
In 2004 a news article about Gayle Punch and her children was written. The article called “Gayle’s Gift” spearheaded an Idea. Gayle knew other music students were struggling and she had to help. The benefit recital held that year allowed her to raise funds. In 2004 and 2005 a Gayle’s Gift Of $1000.00 was awarded to two music students.
Mission/Vision:
The Punch Family Foundation exists to reduce the barriers to music education while increasing diversity in the performing arts.
Our vision is to serve the under-resourced and expand diversity and inclusiveness of the arts; and serve to expand audience exposure by providing a youth orchestra experience, community outreach and an Annual Benefit Recital.
Officers
2011- 2012 Officers
President
Gayle Punch
1st Vice President
Robert Griffin
2nd Vice President
Frank Charles
Treasurer
Florence Brown
Secretary
Mrs. Sherry Griffin
Board of Directors
Isabel Cottrell
Antonio Sanchez
Les Sims
Hubert Pratiz
Stephanie Watson
Luciana Lang
Will Evans
Anya Evans
Advisory Board
Pitria McKinney
Trish Hines
Allyson Neal
Chema Wright-Knox
Odom
Our Staff
Our staff is made up of Contract workers or Volunteers:
- Gayle Punch-Texas Woman’s University Graduate- Bachelors Degree, PFF Founder
- Richmond Punch-Juilliard and Yale University Graduate-Masters of Music
- Lauren Punch- Studied Music at Converse College, Dallas County Community College
- Lauren Wiggins-Harvard Graduate
- Joanna Chang- Princeton Graduate
- UT Southwestern Medical Student
- Violist: Undergraduates from SMU
- Cellist: Undergraduates from SMU
- Violinist: Undergraduates from SMU
Volunteers
- Lindsey Lieberman-Southern Methodist University
- Bridgit Connor- Undergrad Student Southern Methodist University
- Amory Walker-Florida State Graduate-Masters Music Theory
- Isaac Casals-Grad Student, Southern Methodist University
- High School Student- Highland Park School District
Making A Difference
OUR BIG IDEA FOR THE WORLD
We want a string instrument to be as popular as a basketball or football (OK – pretty nearly as popular)!
WHO WE SERVE
- We serve the community
- We serve public school students
- We serve private school students
- We serve small businesses and corporations
WHAT WE BELIEVE AND WISH
MUSIC IS UNIVERSAL, it translates to all. Collaborate with us!
Invite us and we’ll play! We’ve learned that all kinds of students, from every age and background, love both to play with us and to learn.